MCC issues clarification over contentious Steve Smith non-dismissal during 5th Ashes Test

Huge controversy erupted on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final Ashes Test as Australia batter Steve Smith survived a close run-out call. England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow grabbed the ball in time and went on to dislodge the bails as Smith made a diving effort to get inside the crease. The decision was referred to the third umpire, Nitin Menon, and after checking different angles, the decision went in Smith's favour. The replays showed that the Bairstow was guilty of removing one of the bails before the collecting the ball.

Steve Smith had started walking back to the dressing room when he turned on his heels, with TV umpire Nitin Menon giving the decision in his favour.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) later issued a clarification on the non-dismissal.

"Law 29.1 states: "The wicket is broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps is removed from the ground," MCC posted in a tweet to clarify the decision made by Menon.